October 1, 2016

You always liked to tinker when you were younger, and that has stayed with you throughout the years. Your room as a child was typically filled with disparate parts of clocks and watches. Now you’ve grown into a garage that is littered with a variety of car parts, some of them belonging to vehicles you don’t even own. You would take your phone apart if you had the right tools for it. You’ve recently heard about how dental implants in Tulsa, OK are one of the best ways to replace your missing teeth, and being the curious sort, you wonder how they are actually put together. Dr. Angie Nauman, your dentist in Tulsa, OK, is more than happy to tell you about the 3 component parts of dental implants.

1. The Titanium Root

This is the part of the implant that makes it different than any other procedure. While most other dental procedures address the portion of the tooth above the gum line, only dental implants can replace the root. The root is composed of a titanium metal that assures a strong base for the new tooth, and also firmly holds it in the jaw. This hold is insured not only by the screw-like shape of the implant, but also because the titanium facilitates a something called osseointegration. This is a process where your jawbone will naturally bond and grow around the titanium after it has been surgically placed into your mouth. The root also helps stimulate blood flow to the jaw and gums, preventing and even reversing the typical atrophying of the jaw caused by lost teeth.

2. The Abutment

This is a metal connector that attaches to the top of the root. It not only helps connect the root to the new crown, but it also helps support the new tooth from the inside.

3. The Crown

This is the portion of the implant that restores the part of the tooth that everyone can see. It is placed on top of the abutment that is attached to the root below. These are typically made of porcelain so that they can match a natural tooth in both look and function. This crown can be used to restore a single tooth, support a bridge, or even be part of numerous implants that support a set of dentures.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about the parts of dental implants or the procedure to get them, please give us a call today. We’re always available to answer any of your questions so you know everything you need to before coming in to see us about dental implants.